Learner driver who hit young boy may have pressed accelerator instead of brake

A five year old boy is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a Renault Megane collided with the child before hitting a house in Gabriel Street on March 15 (Image: Saffron Walden Fire Station)

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The family of a 'lovely' boy left with life threatening injuries after he was hit by a learner driver in Saffron Walden has been named by his family as Bobby Hughes.

The five-year-old was hit by a Renault Megane on Wednesday, March 16, while out playing with friends.

He was airlifted to Addenbrooke's after the car collided with him before hitting a wall in Gabriel Street, Saffron Walden. On Friday morning (March 17), an Essex police spokesperson described his condition as critical but stable.

It is believed he suffered serious head injuries and has had to undergo emergency brain surgery.

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Speaking from the family home on Friday, Bobby's grandmother Sandra said: "One of his sisters was here, she actually saw it happen. So obviously she's very traumatised.

"We're looking after Bobby's two older sisters. The parents are at the hospital at the minute."

Essex Live reported how residents described how a young female driver, who was driving down the road, appeared to press the accelerator instead of the brake while trying to avoid Bobby.

A five year old boy is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a Renault Megane had collided with the child before hitting a house in Gabriel Street on March 15. (Image: Saffron Walden Fire Station)

Neighbours described Bobby as "the nicest little boy in the world", while another said what a "lovely family" he is from.

Carly Stokes, 36, who lives next door to the house, said: "I didn't see it but I heard the bang and came running out as my children were playing in the road.

"The boy was hit by the car and dragged across the road. It was terrible because I know the family and our children play together.

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An exact age for the learner driver is still unknown but a witness placed her in her late 20s to early 30s.

It is believed she was driving with one passenger who was supervising her as a learner driver when she lost control of the vehicle.

The area where the incident happened is a quiet suburban road lined with modern houses which are occupied mainly by families.

The car crashed into a large detached house across the road from Bobby's home, where he lives with his parents and two older sisters.

Limin Wang, who lives at the house which was struck by the car, said: "I was cooking in the kitchen when I heard a loud bang.

"I ran out and saw all the commotion. There were lots of children around and people were crying in the street."

Mrs Wang's husband Yikang, who was not home from work at the time of the incident, added: "We spent the night in a hotel as there is structural damage to the house. The child is seriously injured and we hope he recovers."

Police are appealing for witnesses and say they are particularly keen to speak to any children who were with the boy when the incident happened who have not spoken to officers yet.

Witnesses are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting incident 756 of 15/03 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk